Editorial Board

Mr. Sullivan

Michael Sullivan

Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig

Michael Sullivan is the co-Managing Shareholder of the Orlando office of Greenberg Traurig and is the co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Hotels, Resorts and Clubs Practice Group.
Mr. Sullivan specializes in the representation of real estate developers, national hotel chains, lenders and owners in the purchase, development, finance, leasing, operation, management and licensing of hotels, condo-hotels, and resorts. He has extensive experience in the negotiation of both public and private hotel management contracts and has negotiated public/private ventures on behalf of hotel companies and owners with local governments and publicly owned convention centers. He has extensive experience in hotel insolvency proceedings including loan work-outs, foreclosures and bankruptcies. In addition, Mr. Sullivan’s practice includes development of complex mixed use real estate developments and the purchase, sale and financing of retirement communities, medical office buildings and senior living communities.
Mr. Sullivan received his Juris Doctor degree, with Honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1984 and his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980 from Yale University.

Michael Sullivan's articles

Mobile Technology: Relentless Innovation

Technology has become a crucial component in attracting and retaining hotel guests, and the need to enhance a guest’s technology experience is driving a relentless pace of innovation. To meet and exceed guest expectations, 54% of hotels will spend more on technology in 2018, and mobile solutions in particular will top the list of capital investments. Many hotels are integrating mobile booking, mobile keys, mobile payments and mobile check-in into their operations. Other hotels are emphasizing the in-room experience, boosting bandwidth and upgrading flat screen TVs to more easily interface with guest mobile devices. And though not yet mainstream, there are many exciting technology developments on the near horizon. The Internet of Things (loT) is taking form in some places, and can be found in guest room control systems, voice activation systems, and in wearable sensors that can be used for access and payment options. Virtual reality headsets are available at some hotels so guests can enjoy virtual trips to exotic locations or if off-property, preview conference facilities and guest rooms. How long will it be before a hotel employs a fleet of robots for room service, or utilizes a hologram as a concierge, or installs gesture-controlled walls that feature interactive digital displays? Some hotels are already using augmented reality for translation services, or interactive wall maps, or even virtual décor. This pace of innovation is challenging property owners and brands to stay on top of the latest technology trends while still addressing current projects. The January Hotel Business Review will explore what some hotels are doing to maximize their opportunities in the mobile technology space.